I'd just like to throw it out there that, while I don't have a lot of knowledge in the real estate sector, I do have a nice camera and a decent eye for photography.

You have to throw that thought out the window very quickly or it will cost you in this business. 

Let him throw out the terms and percentages.

Keep stockpiling cash and dropping your expenses down to 50% or less of your income so that you have a huge chunk to throw at your property when the time comes to pulling the trigger.Brian

That could be what's throwing me off.

Problem is I don't know what their motivations are because, well, I'm throwing darts in the dark.

Small claims court is your best bet.Try to be a nuisance to them by calling them everyday as often as possible,pass out flyers to the tenants advising them of the lawsuit so they know who to complain to personally,etc.Force them to throw up their hands and give up the lousy $500.00.

BP calculator throws out a range of 1500-2500 for closing.

I have a student rental in Kingston, all inclusive and internet. some places are here are even throwing in free netflix.  

People can throw in statistics all day long to support their point of view.